Dual Angle Wedge Retention System

ABSTRACT

At least one labyrinth seal assembly is disposed within a roller cutter of a roller reamer. A first labyrinth seal assembly of a roller cutter is positioned toward a first pillow block of a cutter cartridge that includes the roller cutter. A bearing shaft of the cutter cartridge extends through an inner channel of the roller cutter. The cutter cartridge is retained in an axial recess of a tool body of the roller reamer via a compound and separate wedging of each of the two pillow blocks into a same axial recess by means of a shaped wedge particularly specialized to improve secure coupling of the assembly and reduce rattling of components. Each pillow block is rotatably coupled to the bearing shaft at an opposing end of the roller cutter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Nonprovisional patent application is a Continuation-in-Part PatentApplication to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/290,640 asfiled on Dec. 16, 2021 by Inventor Xiao Rui. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/290,640 is hereby incorporated into its entiretyand for all purposes into the present disclosure.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and/or patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure incorporates by reference the following USpatents in their entirety and for all purposes, including: (1.) U.S.Pat. No. 10,947,786 issued on Mar. 16, 2021 to Inventor Duane Shotwelland titled ROLLER REAMER WITH MECHANICAL FACE SEAL; (2.) U.S. Pat. No.10,837,237 issued on Nov. 17, 2020 to Inventor DUANE SHOTWELL and titledROLLER REAMER WITH LABYRINTH SEAL ASSEMBLY; and U.S. Pat. No. 10,718,165issued on Jul. 21, 2020 to Inventor Duane Shotwell and titled ROLLERREAMER INTEGRAL PRESSURE RELIEF ASSEMBLY.

The above-cited publications, patents, and/or patent applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to underground boring and, inparticular, to a mounting assembly for securing a roller reamer assemblyhaving roller cutter rotatably coupled with roller reamer tool bodies.

Background Art

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not beassumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in thebackground section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the backgroundsection or associated with the subject matter of the background sectionshould not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the priorart. The subject matter in the background section merely representsdifferent approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

It is often necessary when drilling a borehole to maintain or enlargethe diameter of the borehole with second and subsequent passes ofcutting components. This is necessary due to drill bit wear and gradualreduction in the gauge diameter of the hole. Also, certain materialsbeing drilled can swell, which results in reduction of the boreholediameter after the drill bit has past. The technique of reaming is asignificant step in achieving the required diameter of the borehole.Accordingly, there is a long-felt need for reamers presenting improvedreliability, construction, and longevity, and decreased maintenancerequirements.

Reamers can be used in association with a drill bit to ensure that aborehole is drilled to a constant diameter. A roller-type reamer hascutting components rotatably mounted. The roller reamer is commonly usedin the drilling industry, one purpose being to ream the hole just behindthe drill bit to maintain hole size. A roller reamer can also act as astabilizer above the drill bit to stabilize the drill bit and drillstring against the deviating tendencies encountered during drilling.

Roller reamer roller assemblies that include roller cutters aregenerally intended to be coupled with a reamer body, or tool body, whileallowing the roller cutters to freely rotate about an axis that isparallel with a central axis of the tool body. One problem with rollerreamers is that under the conditions commonly encountered duringdrilling, rock chips and other debris can build up proximate to one ormore roller assemblies, which may jam or slow rotation of the rollerassemblies, thereby reducing their effectiveness. Additionally, evenunder normal operating conditions, rotation of the roller cutters canalso cause a roller assembly to increase in temperature, which furtherincreases the stress on the rotating parts. Increased stress may causethose rotating parts to wear more quickly. This is a costly problembecause the reamer will generally have to be brought to the surface,dismantled, and reassembled to replace worn-out parts.

Further, roller reamers in general are subjected to very damaging abuseand drilling conditions downhole, including extreme vibrations andshocks in lateral, axial, and torsional directions. It isn't unusual forroller reamer components to get shaken loose while downhole, andsometimes even to fall off entirely and be lost downhole. In severecases, losing a critical component this way while operating a rollerreamer may even damage the rest of the tool as well, or endanger anoperator. This is a known hazard in the industry, to both the longevityof the tools and the safety of the operator; improving tool durabilityto reduce known and anticipatable breakdowns and facilitate saferoperation will forever be an important advancement to any art.

There is therefore a long-felt need in the art to provide improvementsin durability, stability, efficiency, and safe operation in the art ofroller reamers for use in drilling operations. It is an object of thepresent invention to provide an improved assembly for the more optimalsecuring of roller reamers in position on the tool body.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Towards these and other objects of the present invention (hereinafter,“the invented wedge”) that are made obvious to one of ordinary skill inthe art in light of the present disclosure, an invented dual taperedwedge is provided for stabilizing a pillow block when coupled with aroller of a roller reamer.

It is noted and emphasized, particularly because images in the Figuresare two-dimensional and that can make this point difficult to conveyvisually, that the broader-to-narrower tapering of the wedge is inmultiple dimensions at once. Another way to conceptualize this is toconsider that the three-dimensional wedge shape includes three pairs ofopposing faces (i.e. up and down, front and back, left and right), andonly one of those pairs will have both faces the same surface area; theother two pairs will have a larger face at one end tapering to a smallerface at the other.

The wedge may comprise a lower side, an upper side, a registration sideand a contact side; the contact side having a substantively planarcontact face, the contact face having a first edge pair and a secondedge pair; the first edge pair comprising an upper edge and an opposinglower edge, the lower edge and the upper edge displaced along a Z-axisand the upper edge is positioned proximate to the upper side; the secondedge pair comprising an outer edge and an opposing inner edge, the outeredge and the inner edge displaced along an X-axis, wherein the X-axis isorthogonal to the Z-axis; the contact face and the registration side aredisplaced along a Y-axis by a varying thickness, wherein the Z-axis, theX-axis and the Y-axis are each mutually orthogonal and the contact faceis tapered in relation to the registration side along both the X-axisand the Y-axis to reduce the displacement between the contact face andthe registration side, and the upper side has a greater surface areathan the lower side.

In some embodiments of the invented wedge, the thickness between thecontact face and the registration side increases along a positive X-axisdirection extending from the outer edge to the opposing inner edge.

In some embodiments of the invented wedge, the thickness between thecontact face and the registration side decreases along a positive Z-axisdirection extending from the upper edge to the lower edge.

In some embodiments of the invented wedge, the thickness between thecontact face and the registration side increases along the positiveX-axis direction.

In some embodiments of the invented wedge, the thickness between thecontact face and the registration side increases along a negative X-axisdirection.

In some embodiments of the invented wedge, the thickness between thecontact face and the registration side decreases in along the positiveZ-axis direction.

In some embodiments of the invented wedge, the lower side issubstantively planar.

In some embodiments of the invented wedge, the upper side issubstantively planar.

In some embodiments of the invented wedge, the lower side issubstantively planar and parallel to the upper side.

Some embodiments of the invented wedge further comprise a boltthrough-hole extending fully through the wedge from the upper side andthrough the lower side.

Some embodiments of the invented wedge further comprise an inner sideextending along the Z-axis between the upper side and the lower side andproximate to the inner edge of the contact face; an outer side extendingalong the Z-axis between the upper side and the lower side and proximateto the outer edge of the contact face, and wherein the bolt through-holeis equidistant from the inner side and the outer side along the X-axis.

Additionally provided herein is a retention assembly of a roller reamer,the roller reamer comprising at least a first roller rotatably coupledwith a roller reamer body, the retention assembly comprising a pillowblock, the pillow block fitting into a recess of the roller reamer andpresenting a bottom side, a top side and a planar tapered face extendingbetween the bottom side and the top side, the planar tapered facetapered along each of two orthogonal axes, whereby the pillow block hasa maximum surface area at the bottom side; and a dual tapered wedge, thedual tapered wedge fitting into the recess of the roller reamercontemporaneously with the pillow block, wherein the dual tapered wedgepresents a planar contact face for placement against the planar taperedsurface, and the planar contact face is tapered along the two orthogonalaxes; and the dual tapered wedge has a maximum surface area at an upperside, wherein when retention assembly is coupled with the roller reamerbody the upper side is positioned proximate to the pillow block top sideand distal from the pillow block bottom side.

Further, some embodiments include the pillow block comprising at leastone cutter insert positioned within and extending from the pillow blocktop side.

Further, some embodiments include the dual tapered wedge comprising alower side displaced from the upper side along a Z-axis, a registrationside and a contact side; the contact side having a substantively planarcontact face, the contact face having a first edge pair and a secondedge pair; the first edge pair comprising an upper edge and an opposinglower edge, the lower edge and the upper edge displaced along the Z-axisand the upper edge is positioned proximate to the upper side; the secondedge pair comprising an outer edge and an opposing inner edge, the outeredge and the inner edge displaced along an X-axis, wherein the X-axis isorthogonal to the Z-axis; the contact face and the registration side aredisplaced along a Y-axis by a varying thickness, wherein the Z-axis, theX-axis and the Y-axis are each mutually orthogonal and the contact faceis tapered in relation to the registration side along both the X-axisand the Y-axis to reduce the displacement between the contact face andthe registration side, and the upper side has a greater surface areathan the lower side.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge lowerside being substantively planar.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge upperside being substantively planar.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge lowerside being substantively planar and parallel to the dual tapered wedgeupper side.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge furthercomprises a bolt through-hole extending fully through the wedge from theupper side and through the lower side.

Further, in some embodiments the retention assembly further comprises asecond retention module, the second retention module comprising a secondpillow block, the second pillow block fitting into the recess of theroller reamer and presenting a second bottom side, a second top side anda second planar, wherein the second tapered face extend is between thesecond bottom side and the second top side, and the second planartapered face is tapered along each of two orthogonal axes, whereby thesecond pillow block has a maximum surface area at the second bottomside; and a second dual tapered wedge, the second dual tapered wedgeinto the recess of the roller reamer contemporaneously with the secondpillow block, wherein the second dual tapered wedge presents a secondplanar contact face for placement against the second planar taperedsurface, and the second planar contact face is tapered along the twoorthogonal axes; and the second dual tapered wedge has a maximum surfacearea at a second upper side, wherein when second retention assembly iscoupled with the roller reamer body the second upper side is positionedproximate to the second top side and distal from the second bottom side.

Further, the retention assembly might in some embodiments include thesecond dual tapered wedge further comprising an additional boltthrough-hole extending fully through the second dual tapered wedge fromthe second upper side and through the second lower side.

Additionally provided herein is a roller reamer coupled with a downholetool body (“tool”) within a first axial recess of the tool, the rollerreamer comprising a retention assembly comprising a first roller cutter,a first pillow block and a first wedge, wherein the first roller cutteris rotatably coupled with the first pillow block; the roller reamerhaving a central point that is located at a center of mass of the firstroller cutter; the first pillow block positioned within the first axialrecess and having a block top side and a planar block internal side,wherein the block top side is positioned distal from a central axis ofthe tool, and the planar block internal side is positioned proximate tothe first wedge; the planar block internal side shaped to taper in twodirections, such that the planar block internal side tapers toward thefirst block top side of the first pillow block as the first block planarinternal side extends away from the central Z axis of the tool body, andthe first planar internal side further tapers towards the center of massof the first roller cutter; the first wedge having a wedge planarinternal side positioned proximate to the planar block internal side,wherein the wedge planar internal side tapers toward the central axis ofthe tool, and the first wedge planar internal side further tapers awayfrom the center point CP of the central point.

Further, some embodiments might include a threaded detachable attachmentbolt, the bolt configured to extend through a wedge channel and toengage with a tool tapped receiver of the first axial recess; the tooltapped receiver extending within the tool and away from the retentionassembly.

Further, some embodiments might include the first wedge further formingan empty volume positioned between the wedge channel and the tool tappedreceiver, whereby the threaded detachable attachment bolt extends fullythrough the empty volume when the threaded detachable attachment boltengages with the tool tapped receiver.

Further, some embodiments might include a second pillow block and asecond wedge, wherein the first roller cutter is rotatably coupled withthe second pillow block distal from the first pillow block; the secondpillow block positioned within the first axial recess and having asecond block top side and a second planar block internal side, whereinthe second block top side is positioned distal from the central axis ofthe tool, and the second planar block internal side is positionedproximate to the second wedge; the second planar block internal sideshaped to taper in two directions, such that the second planar blockinternal side tapers toward the second block top side of the secondpillow block as the second block planar internal side extends away fromthe central axis of the tool body, and the second planar internal sidefurther tapers towards the center of mass of the first roller cutter;and the second wedge having a second wedge planar internal sidepositioned proximate to the second planar block internal side, whereinthe second wedge planar internal side tapers toward the central axis ofthe tool, and the second wedge planar internal side further tapers awayfrom the center point CP of the central point.

Further, some embodiments might include a second retention assemblycoupled with a second axial recess of the tool.

Further, some embodiments might include a third retention assemblycoupled with a third axial recess of the tool.

Further, some embodiments might include a second retention assemblycoupled with a second axial recess of the tool.

Further, some embodiments might include a third retention assemblycoupled with a third axial recess of the tool.

Further, some embodiments might include a second threaded detachableattachment bolt, the second threaded detachable attachment boltconfigured to extend through a second wedge channel of the second wedgeand to engage with a second tool tapped receiver of the first axialrecess; the second tool tapped receiver extending within the tool andaway from the retention assembly.

Further, some embodiments might include the second wedge further forminga second empty volume positioned between the second wedge channel andthe second tool tapped receiver, whereby the second threaded detachableattachment bolt extends fully through the second empty volume and thesecond threaded detachable attachment bolt engages with the second tooltapped receiver.

Further, some embodiments might include the first pillow blockcomprising at least one cutter insert positioned within and extendingfrom the pillow block and away from the tool.

Further, some embodiments might include the first pillow blockcomprising a plurality of cutter inserts positioned within and extendingfrom the first pillow block and away from the tool.

Additionally provided herein is a retention assembly of a roller reamer,the roller reamer comprising at least a first roller rotatably coupledwith a roller reamer body, the retention assembly comprising a pillowblock, the pillow block fitting into a recess of the roller reamer andpresenting a bottom side, a top side and a planar tapered face extendingbetween the bottom side and the top side, the planar tapered facetapered along each of two orthogonal axes, whereby the pillow block hasa maximum surface area at the bottom side; and a dual tapered wedge, thedual tapered wedge fitting into the recess of the roller reamercontemporaneously with the pillow block, wherein the dual tapered wedgepresents a wedge planar internal side for placement against the pillowblock planar tapered surface, and the wedge planar internal side istapered along the two orthogonal axes; and the dual tapered wedge havinga maximum surface area at an upper side, wherein when the retentionassembly is coupled with the roller reamer body the upper side ispositioned proximate to the pillow block top side and distal from thepillow block bottom side.

Further, some embodiments might include the pillow block comprising atleast one cutter insert positioned within and extending from the pillowblock top side.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge furthercomprising a lower side displaced from the upper side along a Z-axis, anoutward side, and a wedge planar internal side; the wedge planarinternal side having a first edge pair and a second edge pair; the firstedge pair comprising an upper edge and an opposing lower edge, the loweredge and the upper edge displaced along the Z-axis and the upper edge ispositioned proximate to the upper side; the second edge pair comprisingan outer edge and an opposing inner edge, the outer edge and the inneredge displaced along an X-axis, wherein the X-axis is orthogonal to theZ-axis; the wedge planar internal side and the outward side aredisplaced along a Y-axis by a varying thickness, wherein the Z-axis, theX-axis and the Y-axis are each mutually orthogonal and the wedge planarinternal side is tapered in relation to the outward side along both theX-axis and the Y-axis to reduce the displacement between the wedgeplanar internal side the outward side, and the upper side has a greatersurface area than the lower side.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge lowerside being substantively planar.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge upperside being substantively planar.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge lowerside being substantively planar and parallel to the dual tapered wedgeupper side.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge furthercomprising a bolt through-hole extending fully through the wedge fromthe upper side and through the lower side.

Further, some embodiments might include the dual tapered wedge furtherforming an empty volume positioned between the through-hole and a tooltapped receiver, whereby a threaded detachable attachment bolt extendsfully through the empty volume when the threaded detachable attachmentbolt engages with the tool tapped receiver.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is madebelow with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numeralsrepresent corresponding parts of the figures.

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a first roller reamer, havingthree roller assemblies rotatably coupled within separate and individualaxial recesses of a same tool body;

FIG. 1B is a top cut-away view of the first roller reamer having threeroller assemblies rotatably coupled within separate and individual axialrecesses of a tool body;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary roller assembly of FIG. 1Ainserted into an exemplary axial recess of the tool body of FIG. 1A androtatably coupled with a pair of pillow blocks of a first retentionassembly;

FIG. 3 is an exploded detailed side view of the exemplary first rollerassembly of FIG. 2 and elements of the cutter cartridge of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a 3D image of a pillow block assembly of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is a 3D image of the first retention assembly of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6A is a 3D image of the first retention assembly FIG. 5 from anadditional angle;

FIG. 6B is a 3D image of the first retention assembly FIG. 6A with thewedge elements detached;

FIG. 7A is a line drawing presenting the first pillow block of FIG. 6Ain isolation as shown from the side;

FIG. 7B is a line drawing presenting the second pillow block of FIG. 6Ain isolation as shown from the side;

FIG. 8 is a line drawing presenting the first pillow block of FIG. 7Aand the second pillow block of FIG. 7B in a perspective view;

FIG. 9A is a line drawing presenting a ‘head-on’ view of the firstpillow block of FIG. 7A, including where the roller of FIG. 6A couplesinto the first pillow block;

FIG. 9B is a line drawing presenting a ‘head-on’ view of the secondpillow block of FIG. 7B, including where the roller of FIG. 6A couplesinto the second pillow block;

FIG. 10A is a line drawing presenting a top view of the first pillowblock of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 10B is a line drawing presenting a top view of the second pillowblock of FIG. 7B;

FIG. 11A is a line drawing presenting a perspective view of the secondwedge and pillow block assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 11B is a line drawing presenting a ‘head-on’ view of the secondwedge and pillow block assembly of FIG. 11A, including where the rollerof FIG. 6A couples into the second pillow block;

FIG. 11C is a line drawing presenting a rear view of the second wedgeand pillow block assembly of FIG. 11A, directly opposite to the view ofFIG. 11B;

FIG. 12A is a line drawing presenting a perspective view of the firstwedge of FIG. 3 , with sides of the wedge labeled for reference;

FIG. 12B is a line drawing presenting a contact face view of the wedgeof FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is a line drawing presenting an upper face view along the Zaxis of the wedge of FIG. 12A; and

FIG. 12D is a line drawing presenting a lower face view of the wedge ofFIG. 12C;

FIG. 13A is a view of a 3D model of the wedge of FIG. 12A, presenting aperspective view which includes the outward side, planar internal side,and aperture side as labeled in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13B is a view of the 3D model of FIG. 13A, presenting a view whichincludes the planar internal side and the aperture side as labeled inFIG. 12A;

FIG. 13C is a view of the 3D model of FIG. 13A, presenting a view whichincludes the aperture side and outward side as labeled in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13D is a view of the 3D model of FIG. 13A, presenting a view whichincludes the cavity side, outward side, and planar internal side aslabeled in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13E is a view of the 3D model of FIG. 13A, presenting a view whichincludes the end side, outward side, and aperture side as labeled inFIG. 12A;

FIG. 13F is a view of the 3D model of FIG. 13A, presenting a view of thepillow side as labeled in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13G is a view of the 3D model of FIG. 13A, presenting a view of thecavity side and pillow side as labeled in FIG. 12A; and

FIG. 14 is a view of the 3D model of FIG. 13C which further presentselements of a wedge coupling assembly including the wedge bolt of FIG. 3, the wedge bolt aperture of FIG. 12A, and the axial recess of FIG. 2 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerousdetails, examples, and embodiments of the invention are described.However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that theinvention can be adapted for any of several applications.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularaspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course,vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is notintended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention willbe limited only by the appended claims. Methods recited herein may becarried out in any order of the recited events which is logicallypossible, as well as the recited order of events.

Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject toany specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the statedrange includes one or both of the range's limits, an excluding of eitheror both of those included limits is also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methodsand materials are now described.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claimsmay be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statementis intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusiveterminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with therecitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

When elements are referred to as being “connected” or “coupled,” theelements can be directly connected or coupled together or one or moreintervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when elements arereferred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled,” thereare no intervening elements present.

Throughout this specification, like reference numbers signify the sameelements throughout the description of the figures.

Referring now generally to the Figures particularly to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1Ais a side view of a first preferred embodiment of a roller reamer 100(hereinafter, “the first reamer” 100). The first reamer 100 includes aset of three roller assemblies 102, 104, & 106, namely a first rollerassembly 102, a second roller assembly 104, and a third roller assembly106 (not visible from this angle; see FIG. 1B), positioned radiallyaround a central axis Z of the first reamer 100 as presented in FIG. 1B.

It is understood that the set of three roller assemblies 102, 104, & 106are three identical instances of the same structure which differ only intheir respective positions upon the surface of the first reamer 100, andanything stated herein regarding an exemplary one of the set of threeroller assemblies 102, 104, & 106 applies to all of the three rollerassemblies 102, 104, & 106 unless specified otherwise. Specifically,though Figures herein may present and describe a single roller assembly,that presentation and description of a selected roller assembly as arepresentative example, such as the first roller assembly 102, may beunderstood to apply to all three of the set of three roller assemblies102, 104, & 106.

Each one of the set of three roller assemblies 102, 104, & 106 consistsof a separate cutter cartridge 108 rotatably and removably coupledwithin a single separate and individual respective axial recesses 110A,110B, & 110C, namely a first axial recess 110A, a second axial recess110B, and a third axial recess 110C, all as shown in FIG. 1B, of a toolbody 112. A central tool axis Z of the tool body 112 (hereinafter, “theAXIS Z”) extends centrally along an elongate dimension of the tool body112. The cutter cartridge 108 includes a plurality of cutting inserts114, and is further explained below. One or more of the cutting insertsof the plurality of cutting inserts 114 may be or comprise tungstencarbide, polycrystalline diamond, or other suitable abrasive materialknown in the art.

Each component of the first reamer 100 and/or tool body 112 may beformed from any material required by a particular application, such as ametal, alloy, composite or another material, separately or incombination. For example, each may preferably be formed from highstrength steel, such as 4145H or another steel, and roller assemblies102, 104, & 106 may preferably be formed from 1018 steel, for example.The materials used to form these components, and others, may depend onany number of factors required by a particular application, such asstrength, availability, costs, or other factors, as will be understoodby one of ordinary skill in the art. First reamer 100 may include othercomponents useful for reaming a wellbore, wherein reaming may occur inany direction, including uphole, downhole or laterally.

Referring now generally to the Figures particularly to FIG. 1B, FIG. 1Bpresents a cutaway view as indicated by the labeled dotted line andarrows of FIG. 1A. If the tool body 112 were sheared off (withoutstructural damage) at the indicated dotted line and a viewer werelooking straight along the AXIS Z onto the cross-section revealed by theshear, FIG. 1B is an approximation of the resulting view. Each one ofthe set of three roller assemblies 102, 104, & 106 and their surroundingcomponents are visible, as presented by FIG. 1A positioned around thefirst roller assembly 102. More particularly, each of the set of threeroller assemblies 102, 104, & 106 is rotatably and removably coupledwithin the axial recesses 110A, 110B, & 110C of the tool body 112respectively, and each of the set of three roller assemblies 102, 104, &106 includes cutting inserts 114. It is noted that variation ispossible, such as an embodiment which has a different number of rollerassemblies than three, and the examples presented in the DetailedDescription should not be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention.

It is noted that the AXIS Z as previously labeled is not visible in FIG.1B, as this would be the viewer's line of sight. Presented first in FIG.1B are an AXIS X and an AXIS Y, such that the AXIS X is orthogonal bothto the AXIS Y and to the AXIS Z; the AXIS Y is orthogonal both to theAXIS X and to the AXIS Z; and the AXIS Z is orthogonal both to the AXISX and to the AXIS Y.

It is further noted that the remaining Figures present the first rollerassembly 102 as a representative example of the set of three rollerassemblies 102, 104, & 106, and the compass directions presentedthroughout remain consistent. It may also be useful to think of the AXISX, as presented relative to the first roller assembly 102 specifically,as ‘toward and away from the center of the first reamer 100’, and theAXIS Y, likewise, as ‘around the circumference of the first reamer 100’,but only as presented relative to the first roller assembly 102specifically. It is noted that in FIG. 1B, these directions, thoughpresented orthogonally and orthogonal with respect to the first reamer100 itself, happen to line up that way with respect to the first rollerassembly 102. It is further noted that, unless the view of FIG. 1B wererotated with respect to the orthogonal compass directions, the compassdirections of the other two of the set of three roller assemblies 102,104, & 106 would be different from the compass directions presented inFIGS. 2 through 13G pertaining to the first roller assembly 102.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2 , FIG.2 is a side view of the first roller assembly 102 of FIG. 1A, insertedinto the first exemplary axial recess 110A of the tool body 112 of FIG.1A. A pair of pillow blocks 200A & 200B, specifically a first pillowblock 200A and a second pillow block 200B, are rotatably coupled withthe first roller assembly 102. A first pillow block 200A is positionedat a first end 202A of the first roller assembly 102. A wedge 204,specifically a first wedge 204A, is removably coupled to the tool body112 by a first wedge bolt 206A.

The second pillow block 200B is positioned at a second end 202B of thefirst roller assembly 102. A second wedge 204B is removably coupled by asecond wedge bolt 206B to the tool body 112. The first wedge 204A andthe second wedge 204B are sized and shaped to be respectively detachablyattached by the first wedge bolt 206A and the second wedge bolt 206B tothe tool body 112 to retain the pair of pillow blocks 200A & 200B andthe first roller assembly 102 within the first axial recess 110A whenthe pair of pillow blocks 200A & 200B with the first roller assembly 102are rotatably and detachably coupled. The first wedge 204A and thesecond wedge 204B are each sized and shaped to lock each respectivepillow block 200A & 200B and couple the first roller assembly 102 in theaxial and radial directions within the first axial recess 110A.

The first wedge 204A and second wedge 204B are considered to be aparticular point of interest within the greater context established byexplanation of the first reamer 100 and the first roller assembly 102.The exact optimized shape of this component, while far from being theonly novel aspect of the disclosure, is considered to be relevant to adistinct improvement in reliable securing of the connected mechanicalcomponents as presented in this context. More particularly, the taperingof a wedge 204 shape as instantiated by the first wedge 204A and secondwedge 204B, as well as other instances of the wedge 204 in identicalassemblies elsewhere on the first reamer 100 as indicated above, isdesigned to mechanically reduce the shaking-loose effect of thevibrations and shocks in lateral, axial, and torsional directions thatare typical to operation of a roller reamer. As mentioned above, rollerreamer components being shaken loose, such that the fastenings betweencomponents loosen, components are shifted out of position, or sometimescomponents of a reamer are lost downhole completely, is a known problemin the art of roller reamers, which may in extreme cases become a safetyhazard or damage the whole machine. The wedge 204 shape in particular asdescribed herein is a considered to be an advancement in reducing thisproblem, and is therefore elaborated upon in particular detail later on.

A second plurality of cutting inserts 208 is positioned on an externalside of the pillow blocks 200A & 200B, and a third plurality of cuttinginserts 210 is positioned on an external side of the tool body 112. Oneor more of the cutting inserts of the second plurality of cuttinginserts 208 or of the third plurality of cutting inserts 210 may be orcomprise tungsten carbide, polycrystalline diamond, or other suitableabrasive material known in the art.

Referring now generally to the Figures particularly to FIG. 3 , FIG. 3is an exploded detailed side view of the cutter cartridge 108 of thefirst roller assembly 102 and elements of an exemplary first retentionassembly 300. The first retention assembly 300 of the first rollerassembly 102 includes the pair of pillow blocks 200A & 200B, the firstwedge 204A and the second wedge 204B, a bearing shaft 302, a pluralityof ball bearings 304, and two pairs of static O-ring shaft seals 306A &306B, namely a first static O-ring shaft seal 306A and a second staticO-ring shaft seal 306B. The bearing shaft 302 is fixedly coupled to thepair of pillow block 200A & 200B by pins (not shown) and is shaped forma first shaft seal groove 308A, a second shaft seal groove 308B and ashaft race 310. The first shaft seal groove 308A is sized and shaped toseat the first static O-ring shaft seal 306A and the second seal groove308B is sized and shaped to seat the second static O-ring shaft seal306B while a first roller cutter 312 of the first roller assembly 102 ispositioned about the bearing shaft 302 and the bearing shaft 302 iscoupled to the pair of pillow blocks 200A& 200B. The shaft race 310 isalso sized and shaped to seat the plurality of ball bearings 304 whilethe first roller cutter 312 is positioned about the bearing shaft 302and the bearing shaft 302 is coupled to the pair of pillow blocks 200A &200B.

It is understood that a center point CP of the first roller assembly 102is preferably located at a center of mass of the first roller cutter 312when the first roller cutter 312 is rotatably coupled with the pillowblocks 200A & 200B.

FIG. 3 further presents an exemplary first labyrinth seal assembly 314,an exemplary second labyrinth seal assembly 316 and the first rollercutter 312. The first roller cutter 312 is comprised within the firstroller assembly 102 and includes the plurality of cutting inserts 114.The bearing shaft 302 is sized and shaped to fit within the firstlabyrinth seal assembly 314, the second labyrinth seal assembly 316, aninternal channel 318 of the first roller cutter 312 and partly withineach of the pillow blocks 200A & 200B.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4 , FIG.4 is a perspective view of a 3D model of the pillow block 200A and firstwedge 204A, shown with the first roller cutter 312 not present. Alsopresented is a compass 400 indicating the AXIS X, AXIS Y, and AXIS Z aspreviously discussed.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5 , FIG.5 is a perspective view of a 3D model of the first retention assembly300. Labeled here to provide a frame of reference in view of otherFigures which label additional aspects of this same mechanism, are thepillow block 200A, the first wedge 204A, and the first roller cutter312.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1A, FIG.1B, FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 , a center point CP of the firstretention assembly 300 is located centrally within the first retentionassembly 300 along and with respect to the AXIS X, the AXIS Y, and theAXIS Z. The center point CP is also preferably positioned equidistantlybetween the first pillow block 200A and the second pillow block 200Bwhen the first roller cutter 312 is coupled with the first pillow block200A and the second pillow block 200B, and when the first retentionassembly 300 is installed within the first axial recess 110A.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 6A, FIG.6A is a second perspective view of the 3D image of FIG. 5 showing thefirst retention assembly 300 from an additional angle. Labeled here toprovide a frame of reference in view of other Figures which labeladditional aspects of this same mechanism, are the pillow block 200A,the first wedge 204A, and the first roller cutter 312.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 6B, FIG.6B is a view of the first retention assembly 300 of FIG. 6A, with thefirst wedge 204A and the second wedge 204B detached. Labeled here toprovide a frame of reference in view of other Figures which labeladditional aspects of this same mechanism, are the first pillow block200A, the second pillow block 200B, and the first roller cutter 312.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 7A, FIG.7A is a line drawing presenting the first pillow block 200A of FIG. 6Ain isolation as shown from the side.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 7B, FIG.7B is a line drawing presenting the second pillow block 200B of FIG. 6Ain isolation as shown from the side.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8 , FIG.8 is a line drawing presenting the first pillow block of FIG. 7A and thesecond pillow block of FIG. 7B in a perspective view.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1A, FIG.1B, FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 , when the first pillow block200A is coupled with the first retention assembly 300 and positionedwithin the first axial recess 110A, a first block planar internal side800 of the first pillow block 200A tapers toward a first block top side802 of the first pillow block 200A as the first block planar internalside 800 extends away from the central axis Z of the tool body 112; andthe first planar internal side 800 tapers towards the center point CP ofthe first retention assembly 300. In other words, when the first pillowblock 200A is coupled with the first retention assembly 300 andpositioned within the first axial recess 110A, the first block planarinternal side 800 extends away from the first block top side 802 at anoblique angle relative to both the AXIS Y and the AXIS Z, and extendsaway from the location of center point CP in at an acute angle relativeto the central axis Z.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1A, FIG.1B, FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 , when the second pillow block200B is coupled with the first roller cutter 312 and positioned withinthe first axial recess 110A, a second block planar internal side 804 ofthe second pillow block 200B tapers toward a second block top side 806of the second pillow block 200B as the second block planar internal side804 extends away from the central axis Z of the tool body 112; and thesecond planar internal side 804 tapers towards the direction of thecenter point CP of the first roller assembly 102. In other words, whenthe second pillow block 200B is coupled with the first roller assembly102 and positioned within the first axial recess 110A, the second blockplanar internal side 804 extends away from the second block top side 806at an oblique angle relative to both the AXIS Y and the AXIS Z, andextends away from the location of center point CP in at an acute anglerelative to the central axis Z.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9A, FIG.9A is a line drawing presenting a ‘head-on’ view of the first pillowblock 200A of FIG. 7A, including a first pillow block roller indentation900A, where the first roller cutter 312 (not shown) is coupled or fittedwith the first pillow block 200A.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9B, FIG.9B is a line drawing presenting a ‘head-on’ view of the second pillowblock 200B of FIG. 7B, including a second pillow block rollerindentation 900B, where the first roller cutter 312 (not shown) iscoupled or fitted with the second pillow block 200B. It is noted thatcoupling of the first roller cutter 312 rotatably in place in the firstroller assembly 102 may further include elements such as screws, bolts,fittings, or similar.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 10A,FIG. 10A is a line drawing presenting a top view of the first pillowblock 200A of FIG. 7A.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 10B,FIG. 10B is a line drawing presenting a top view of the second pillowblock 200B of FIG. 7B.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 11A,FIG. 11A is a line drawing presenting a perspective view of the firstwedge 204A positioned relative to the first pillow block 200A of FIG. 6.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 11B,FIG. 11B is a line drawing presenting a ‘head-on’ view of the firstwedge 204A positioned relative to the first pillow block 200A of FIG.11A, including where the first roller cutter 312 of FIG. 6A couples intothe first pillow block 200A within the first pillow block rollerindentation 900A.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 11C,FIG. 11C is a line drawing presenting a rear view of the first wedge204A positioned relative to first pillow block 200A of FIG. 11A,directly opposite to the view of FIG. 11B.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1A, FIG.1B, FIG. 2 ,

FIG. 3 , FIG. 5 , FIG. 8 , FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B, when the first wedge204A is coupled with the first roller cutter 312 and positioned withinthe first axial recess 110A, a first wedge planar internal side 1200E ofthe first wedge 204A tapers toward the central axis Z of the tool body112; and the first wedge planar internal side 1200E tapers away from thecenter point CP of the first roller assembly 102.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 12A,FIG. 12A is a line drawing presenting a perspective view of the firstwedge 204A of FIG. 11A, with sides of the first wedge 204A labeled forreference and establishment of certain concepts and terminology. It isnoted that FIG. 12A presents only one preferred embodiment of the firstwedge 204A and the shape of this element, and should not be construed aslimiting. The shape of the first wedge 204A in general is notable atleast for tapering in multiple dimensions, which concept may bedifficult to discern from a single angle and may require anunderstanding based on multiple views, as presented in FIGS. 12A through12D and FIGS. 13A through 13G. It is understood that, while the firstwedge 204A of the first roller assembly 102 is the specific instancepresented and described here, the second wedge 204B of the first rollerassembly 102 is another instance of the same archetype of a wedge 204,and that each of the other two of the set of three roller assemblies102, 104, & 106 is identical to the first roller assembly 102, andtherefore also include their own corresponding instances of the wedge204.

It is noted that the wedge 204 three-dimensional shape consists,geometrically, of six sides 1200, with twelve edges 1202 where two ofthe sides 1200 intersect. One or more of the edges 1202 may be rounded,blunted, or beveled, as shown in the images of FIGS. 12A through 12D andFIGS. 13A through 13G. The wedge 204 may further include a bolt aperture1204 shaped to accept a wedge bolt 206 such as the first wedge bolt 206Aor the second wedge bolt 206B, and may further include a bolt cavity1206 which is a portion of the wedge 204 shape cut out to reduce thedepth of the bolt aperture 1204. It is noted that the bolt cavity 1206does not ‘hook onto’ another assembly or accept a correspondingly shapedelement. Each of the sides 1200 includes one of a plurality of planarfaces 1208 (“the faces 1208”) as listed individually below. It is notedthat distinction is made for the sake of thoroughness between the faces1208, which is a narrower term specifying the planar portion of eachside 1200 of the wedge 204 shape, and the sides 1200, which can be usedas a broader term indicating relative location upon the wedge 204.

In this disclosure, for purposes of clarity, each of the sides 1200 ofthe wedge 204 shape will be named consistently, as outlined in thisparagraph. The side 1200 of the wedge 204 which includes the boltaperture 1204 is termed an APERTURE SIDE 1200A and includes an apertureside face 1208A; the side 1200 opposite the aperture side 1200A is aCAVITY SIDE 1200B and includes a cavity side face 1208B and the boltcavity 1206. The side 1200 which faces away from an attached pillowblock 200 coupled to the wedge 204, such as the first pillow block 200Ain the specific case of the first wedge 204A, is termed an OUTWARD SIDE1200C and includes an outward side face 1208C; the side 1200 opposite tothe outward side is a PILLOW SIDE 1200D and includes a pillow side face1208D, which would rest against the side of the attached pillow block200 in an assembled state. The side 1200 which is oriented toward thefirst roller cutter 312 is the PLANAR INTERNAL SIDE 1200E and includes aplanar internal side face 1208E; the side 1200 oriented opposite to theplanar internal side 1200E (i.e. toward a distal end of the first rollercutter 312) is an END SIDE 1200F and includes an end side face 1208F.

In a preferred embodiment, the wedge 204 is tapered in multipledimensions, such that the planar internal side face 1208E comprises abroader surface area than the end side face 1208F, and also the apertureside face 1208A comprises a broader surface area than the cavity sideface 1208B. It is noted that the first wedge 204A and the second wedge204B are mirroring shapes; the sides 1200 are named with this in mind,reflecting the position of the wedge 204 in relation to the rest of thefirst roller cutter 312 assembly rather than a more arbitrary ‘up, down,left, right, front, back’; the wedge 204 shape remains consistentrelative to the rest of the first roller assembly 102, with eachrespective instance of the wedge 204 tapering in the directions of (a.)‘away from the roller (such as the first roller cutter 312 in thecontext of the first roller assembly 102) and parallel to the centralaxis (the axis Z) of the reamer 100’ and (b.) ‘(down/in) toward thecentral axis (the axis Z) of the reamer 100’. The tapering directions ofthe first wedge 204A as presented here are further highlighted byinclusion of arrows, wherein TAPER A presents the tapering directionalong the AXIS Z of ‘from broader planar internal side 1200E to narrowerend side 1200F’, and TAPER B presents the tapering direction along theAXIS X of ‘from broader aperture side 1200A to narrower cavity side1200B’.

It is noted that, if the viewer's perspective is oriented head-on towardthe planar internal side 1200E of the first wedge 204A parallel to theAXIS Z, with the viewer's ‘down’ orientation toward the central axis Zof the roller reamer 100, the outward side 1200C of the first wedge 204Ais on the viewer's right, whereas the mirrored shape of the second wedge204B has the outward side 1200C to the viewer's left when viewed in thesame orientation; accordingly, the images of FIGS. 12A through 12D andFIGS. 13A through 13G can be identified as depicting the first wedge204A, as a representative instance of the wedge 204. It is noted againthat, while only certain exemplary components are explained in detail,these explanations are intended to represent and apply correspondinglyto other similar components, adjusting appropriately for differentpositioning upon the reamer 100.

Particularly regarding the edges of the end side 1200F, an end-pillowedge 1202A (the edge 1202 positioned between the end side 1200F and thepillow side 1200D) and an end-outward edge 1202B (the edge 1202positioned between the end side 1200F and the outward side 1200C)converge toward each other; an end-aperture edge 1202C (the edge 1202positioned between the end side 1200F and the aperture side 1200A) andan end-cavity edge 1202D (the edge 1202 positioned between the end side1200F and the cavity side 1200B) run parallel, but the end-aperture edge1202C is longer than the end-cavity edge 1202D. Thus, the end face 1200Fis substantively trapezoidal in shape, understanding that there may beminor irregularity in shape as a result of beveling or rounding of theedges 1202.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 12B,FIG. 12B is a line drawing presenting a view of the aperture side 1200Aside of the first wedge 204A of FIG. 12A. The bolt aperture 1204 isfurther labeled here.

Particularly regarding the edges 1202 of the aperture side 1200A, theend-aperture edge 1202C (the edge 1202 positioned between the end side1200F and the aperture side 1200A) and a roller-aperture edge 1202E (theedge 1202 positioned between the end side 1200F and the cavity side1200B) run parallel, but the end-aperture edge 1202C is shorter than theroller-aperture edge 1202F. An aperture-pillow edge 1202F (the edge 1202positioned between the aperture side 1200A and the pillow side 1200D)slopes or tapers toward an opposite aperture-outward edge 1202G. Thus,the aperture face 1208A is substantively trapezoidal in shape,understanding that there may be minor irregularity in shape as a resultof beveling or rounding of the edges 1202. It is further noted that aroller-outward edge 1202H may be more rounded or beveled, forming alarger corner than others of the edges 1202, and that feature isdiscernible from this angle; this feature can be useful also inidentifying which side 1200 and/or edge 1202 is which. It is furthernoted that in the tapering of the pillow side 1200D toward the outwardside 1200C, most if not all of the slope of that tapering may be on thepillow side 1200D. In preferred embodiment, the outward side 1200C andthe planar internal side 1200E, and the roller-outward edge 1202Hbetween these, ‘square up’ with the shape of the attached pillow block200, as presented at least in FIGS. 6A and 6B; accordingly, theroller-outward edge 1202H may be shaped to match one of the edges of thepillow block 200 shape, rather than to match any of the other edges 1202of the wedge 204 shape.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 12C,FIG. 12C is a line drawing presenting a view of the planar internal side1200E side of the first wedge 204A along the AXIS Z. Particularlyregarding the edges 1202 of the planar internal side 1200E, theroller-aperture edge 1202E (the edge 1202 positioned between the planarinternal side 1200E and the aperture side 1200A) and a roller-cavityedge 1202I (the edge 1202 positioned between the planar internal side1200E and the cavity side 1200B) run substantively parallel, but theroller-aperture edge 1202E is longer than the roller-cavity edge 1202I.It is noted that the aperture-outward edge 1202G may also include morebevel or slope, as visible from this angle; like the roller-outward edge1202H, this is conforming to an overall external shape of the attachedpillow block 200 as shown at least in FIGS. 6A and 6B. A roller-pillowedge 1202J (the edge 1202 positioned between the planar internal side1200E and the pillow side 1200D) slopes or tapers toward theroller-outward edge 1202H. Thus, the planar internal side face 1200E issubstantively trapezoidal in shape, understanding that there may be someirregularity in shape as a result of beveling or rounding of the edges1202.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 12D,FIG. 12D is a line drawing presenting a view of the end side 1200F,including the end side face 1208F, of the first wedge 204A of FIG. 12A.It is noted that the edges 1202 of the end side 1200F were all visiblein FIG. 12A, and accordingly, have already been enumerated anddescribed.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13A,FIG. 13A is an image of a three-dimensional model of the first wedge204A of FIG. 12A. It is noted that there may be some differences indrafting style between the wedge 204 line drawings of FIGS. 12A through12D and the wedge 204 3D models of FIGS. 13A through 13G, but while themethods of drawing are different between these media and some smalldifferences in appearance may occur as a side effect of this, what isintended is representation of the same object, with no structuraldifferences substantial enough for these to be described as differentembodiments. Labeled here are the first wedge 204A, the aperture side1200A including the bolt aperture 1204, the aperture-outward edge 1202G,the aperture-pillow edge 1202F, the planar internal side 1200E, theroller-pillow edge 1202J, the roller-outward edge 1202H, the pillow side1200D, and the bolt cavity 1206.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13B,FIG. 13B is a second view of the three-dimensional model of FIG. 13A.Labeled here are the aperture side face 1208A, the planar internal sideface 1208E, the roller-outward edge 1202H, and the aperture-outward edge1202G. It is noted that the increased beveling of the roller-outwardedge 1202H and the aperture-outward edge 1202G, in conformity to theoverall shape of the assembly formed when the first wedge 204A aspresented here is attached to the first pillow block 200A, are readilyvisible from this angle.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13C,FIG. 13C is a third view of the three-dimensional model of FIG. 13A.Labeled here are the first wedge 204A, the bolt aperture 1204, the boltcavity 1206, the aperture side face 1208A, the outward side face 1208C,the roller-outward side 1202H, and the aperture-outward side 1202G. Itis noted that, since the dimensions of tapering are from the apertureside 1200A to the cavity side 1200B and from the planar internal side1200E to the end side 1200F, the shape of the outward side face 1208Cremains substantively rectangular, with a cut-out portion for the boltcavity 1206, and allowing for rounding due to beveling of the edges1202.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13D,FIG. 13D is a fourth view of the three-dimensional model of FIG. 13A.Since the cavity side face 1208B of the cavity side 1200B is divided bythe bolt cavity 1206, the two parts of the cavity side face 1208B arepresented here more particularly as a first cavity side face portion1200B-1 and a second cavity side face portion 1200B-2, for the sake ofthoroughness. Also labeled here are the first wedge 204, the boltaperture 1204, the cavity side 1200B, the bolt cavity 1206, the outwardside face 1208C, the roller-outward edge 1202H, the roller-cavity edge1202I, the end-cavity edge 1202D, an outward-cavity edge 1202K (the edge1202 positioned between the cavity side 1200B and the outward side1200C), and a cavity-pillow edge 1202L (the edge 1202 positioned betweenthe cavity side 1200B and the pillow side 1200D).

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13E,FIG. 13E is a fifth view of the three-dimensional model of FIG. 13A.Labeled here are the first wedge 204A, the end side 1200F, theend-outward edge 1202B, the outward side 1200C, the aperture-outwardedge 1202G, the aperture side 1200A, and the bolt aperture 1204.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13F,FIG. 13F is a sixth view of the three-dimensional model of FIG. 13A.Labeled here are the first wedge 204A, the bolt cavity 1206, and thepillow side 1200D. It is noted that, since the dimensions of taperingare from the aperture side 1200A to the cavity side 1200B and from theplanar internal side 1200E to the end side 1200F, the shape of thepillow side face 1208D remains substantively rectangular, with a cut-outportion for the bolt cavity 1206, and allowing for rounding due tobeveling of the edges 1202.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13G,FIG. 13G is a seventh view of the three-dimensional model of FIG. 13A.Labeled here are the first wedge 204A, the roller-outward edge 1202H,the outward side 1200C, the cavity side 1200B, the end-cavity edge1202D, the bolt aperture 1204, and the bolt cavity 1206. It is notedthat the bolt aperture 1204 passes all the way through the aperture sideface 1208A and into the bolt cavity 1206, permitting a bolt such as thefirst wedge bolt 206A or the second wedge bolt 206B to secure the wedge204.

It is noted that the bolt aperture 1204 may be of any suitable size orshape to accommodate a bolt such as the first wedge bolt 206A or thesecond wedge bolt 206B, including variation such as the bolt aperture1204 being smaller or larger than the bolt aperture 1204 may appear inthese explanatory drawings; the bolt aperture 1204 being threaded; thebolt aperture varying in width (such as providing a broader profileproximate to the aperture side face 1208A surface for the bolt's headportion to fit into); the bolt aperture 1204 extending all the waythrough from the aperture side 1200A to the cavity side 1200B inembodiments which may not include the bolt cavity 1206 to shorten thataperture depth; and other such similar and obvious adaptations.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 14 ,FIG. 14 is a cutaway view presenting further detail regarding adetachable wedge coupling assembly 1400 comprising the first wedge bolt206A, the bolt aperture 1204 of the first wedge 204A, and also a recessbolt aperture 1402 positioned on the surface of the first axial recess110A proximate to the central axis Z of the reamer 100, opposite thebolt aperture 1204 when the first wedge 204A is installed in the firstroller assembly 102. It is noted that this is a cutaway view forpresenting elements that would otherwise be obscured from view at thisangle at least by the sides of the first axial recess 110A. In preferredembodiment, a shaft 1404 of the first wedge bolt 206A traverses thewedge bolt aperture 1204 with a head 1406 of the first wedge bolt 206Aunable to fit through the wedge bolt aperture 1204, the shaft 1404passes through the wedge bolt cavity 1206, and the shaft 1406 of thefirst wedge bolt 206A is screwed in or otherwise secured into the recessbolt aperture 1402. It is preferred that the first wedge bolt 206A bethreaded and the recess bolt aperture 1402 be tapped, to permit screwingin the first wedge bolt 206A as a method of securing. It is noted that,while the detachable wedge coupling assembly 1400 for securing the firstwedge 204A is presented as the example, the same kind of assembly orsimilar may secure the second wedge 204B and other wedges 204 of thereamer 100. It is further noted that the detachable wedge couplingassembly 1400 may not necessarily be the only element or assemblysecuring the pieces of the first assembly together, or securing thefirst retention assembly 300 into the first axial recess 110A.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as“substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean areasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the endresult is not significantly changed.

While selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat various changes and modifications can be made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of thevarious components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Componentsthat are shown directly connected or contacting each other can haveintermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of oneelement can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures andfunctions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment, it isnot necessary for all advantages to be present in a particularembodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from theprior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should beconsidered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

I claim:
 1. A roller reamer coupled with a downhole tool body (“tool”)within a first axial recess of the tool, the roller reamer comprising: aretention assembly comprising a first roller cutter, a first pillowblock and a first wedge, wherein the first roller cutter is rotatablycoupled with the first pillow block; the roller reamer having a centralpoint that is located at a center of mass of the first roller cutter;the first pillow block positioned within the first axial recess andhaving a block top side and a planar block internal side, wherein theblock top side is positioned distal from a central axis of the tool, andthe planar block internal side is positioned proximate to the firstwedge; the planar block internal side shaped to taper in two directions,such that the planar block internal side tapers toward the first blocktop side of the first pillow block as the first block planar internalside extends away from the central Z axis of the tool body, and thefirst planar internal side further tapers towards the center of mass ofthe first roller cutter; the first wedge having a wedge planar internalside positioned proximate to the planar block internal side, wherein thewedge planar internal side tapers toward the central axis of the tool,and the first wedge planar internal side further tapers away from thecenter point CP of the central point.
 2. The roller reamer of claim 1,further comprising: a threaded detachable attachment bolt, the boltconfigured to extend through a wedge channel and to engage with a tooltapped receiver of the first axial recess; the tool tapped receiverextending within the tool and away from the retention assembly.
 3. Theroller reamer of claim 1, the first wedge further forming an emptyvolume positioned between the wedge channel and the tool tappedreceiver, whereby the threaded detachable attachment bolt extends fullythrough the empty volume when the threaded detachable attachment boltengages with the tool tapped receiver.
 4. The roller reamer of claim 1,the retention assembly further comprising: a second pillow block and asecond wedge, wherein the first roller cutter is rotatably coupled withthe second pillow block distal from the first pillow block; the secondpillow block positioned within the first axial recess and having asecond block top side and a second planar block internal side, whereinthe second block top side is positioned distal from the central axis ofthe tool, and the second planar block internal side is positionedproximate to the second wedge; the second planar block internal sideshaped to taper in two directions, such that the second planar blockinternal side tapers toward the second block top side of the secondpillow block as the second block planar internal side extends away fromthe central axis of the tool body, and the second planar internal sidefurther tapers towards the center of mass of the first roller cutter;and the second wedge having a second wedge planar internal sidepositioned proximate to the second planar block internal side, whereinthe second wedge planar internal side tapers toward the central axis ofthe tool, and the second wedge planar internal side further tapers awayfrom the center point CP of the central point.
 5. The roller reamer ofclaim 1, further comprising a second retention assembly coupled with asecond axial recess of the tool.
 6. The roller reamer of claim 5,further comprising a third retention assembly coupled with a third axialrecess of the tool.
 7. The roller reamer of claim 4, further comprisinga second retention assembly coupled with a second axial recess of thetool.
 8. The roller reamer of claim 7, further comprising a thirdretention assembly coupled with a third axial recess of the tool.
 9. Theroller reamer of claim 4, further comprising: a second threadeddetachable attachment bolt, the second threaded detachable attachmentbolt configured to extend through a second wedge channel of the secondwedge and to engage with a second tool tapped receiver of the firstaxial recess; the second tool tapped receiver extending within the tooland away from the retention assembly.
 10. The roller reamer of claim 9,the second wedge further forming a second empty volume positionedbetween the second wedge channel and the second tool tapped receiver,whereby the second threaded detachable attachment bolt extends fullythrough the second empty volume and the second threaded detachableattachment bolt engages with the second tool tapped receiver.
 11. Theretention assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pillow block comprisesat least one cutter insert positioned within and extending from thepillow block and away from the tool.
 12. The retention assembly of claim11, wherein the first pillow block comprises a plurality of cutterinserts positioned within and extending from the first pillow block andaway from the tool.
 13. A retention assembly of a roller reamer, theroller reamer comprising at least a first roller rotatably coupled witha roller reamer body, the retention assembly comprising: a pillow block,the pillow block fitting into a recess of the roller reamer andpresenting a bottom side, a top side and a planar tapered face extendingbetween the bottom side and the top side, the planar tapered facetapered along each of two orthogonal axes, whereby the pillow block hasa maximum surface area at the bottom side; and a dual tapered wedge, thedual tapered wedge fitting into the recess of the roller reamercontemporaneously with the pillow block, wherein the dual tapered wedgepresents a wedge planar internal side for placement against the pillowblock planar tapered surface, and the wedge planar internal side istapered along the two orthogonal axes; and the dual tapered wedge havinga maximum surface area at an upper side, wherein when the retentionassembly is coupled with the roller reamer body the upper side ispositioned proximate to the pillow block top side and distal from thepillow block bottom side.
 14. The retention assembly of claim 13,wherein the pillow block comprises at least one cutter insert positionedwithin and extending from the pillow block top side.
 15. The retentionassembly of claim 13, wherein the dual tapered wedge further comprises:a lower side displaced from the upper side along a Z-axis, an outwardside, and a wedge planar internal side; the wedge planar internal sidehaving a first edge pair and a second edge pair; the first edge paircomprising an upper edge and an opposing lower edge, the lower edge andthe upper edge displaced along the Z-axis and the upper edge positionedproximate to the upper side; the second edge pair comprising an outeredge and an opposing inner edge, the outer edge and the inner edgedisplaced along an X-axis, wherein the X-axis is orthogonal to theZ-axis; the wedge planar internal side and the outward side aredisplaced along a Y-axis by a varying thickness, wherein the Z-axis, theX-axis and the Y-axis are each mutually orthogonal and the wedge planarinternal side is tapered in relation to the outward side along both theX-axis and the Y-axis to reduce the displacement between the wedgeplanar internal side the outward side, and the upper side has a greatersurface area than the lower side.
 16. The retention assembly of claim13, wherein the dual tapered wedge lower side is substantively planar.17. The retention assembly of claim 13, wherein the dual tapered wedgeupper side is substantively planar.
 18. The retention assembly of claim15, wherein the dual tapered wedge lower side is substantively planarand parallel to the dual tapered wedge upper side.
 19. The retentionassembly of claim 13, wherein the dual tapered wedge further comprises abolt through-hole extending fully through the wedge from the upper sideand through the lower side.
 20. The roller reamer of claim 1, the dualtapered wedge further forming an empty volume positioned between thethrough-hole and a tool tapped receiver, whereby a threaded detachableattachment bolt extends fully through the empty volume when the threadeddetachable attachment bolt engages with the tool tapped receiver.